2022 National Disability and Employment Awareness Month

The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2022 is "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation" in honor of the significant contribution that persons with disabilities make to a diverse and inclusive American workforce. The annual NDEAM celebration by the U.S. Department of Labor honors the economic contributions made by both present and former employees with disabilities.

We advocate for equal employment opportunities and assist job seekers in finding suitable positions. We take the necessary steps and work with partners to remove hiring barriers for all people, regardless of disability.

Learn more about the rights of people with disabilities and other resources that promote workplace inclusion:

1. EARN – a free resource that educates employers seeking to recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified employees with disabilities. EARN provides companies with some of the following resources on accommodations and more.

2. JAN (Job Accommodation Network) - JAN offers free consulting to all employers, regardless of size or type (e.g., private, federal, state, or local government, etc.). Individualized consultation on all aspects of job accommodations is provided, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources, and ADA compliance assistance. Furthermore, regardless of employment status, JAN offers free consulting services to all individuals. One-on-one consultation on all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources, and ADA compliance assistance, is provided as part of the services.

3. Information & Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the Department of Justice to provide technical assistance to businesses, state and local governments, and individuals who have legal rights or responsibilities. To encourage voluntary compliance, the Department provides education and technical assistance through a variety of means. Activities include providing direct technical assistance and guidance to the public via the ADA Website and the ADA Information Line, developing and disseminating technical assistance materials to the public, and engaging in outreach initiatives.

4. Arkansas Division for the Blind - The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) is dedicated to the independence of Arkansans who are blind or visually impaired and is committed to the principle that these individuals have the right to make informed choices regarding where they live, where they work, how they participate in the community, and how they interact with others.

5. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services - Arkansas Rehabilitation Services’ (ARS) provides a variety of training and career preparation programs. They have 19 field offices across the state serving all 75 counties where individuals can receive assistance with accessibility and training needs that can lead to successful employment.

6. Disability Rights Arkansas - This organization protects and advocates for the civil and legal rights of people with disabilities in Arkansas.

7. U.S. Department of Labor, Disability Resources - Provides resources for people with disabilities who are in the workforce and includes laws, regulations, job search, responsibilities and rights.